Summer at Electric Storm Youth and looking forward

September 8, 2026

A blog by Rhiannon - Youth Work Apprentice

As a seasoned volunteer but new Youth Worker for Electric Storm Youth, I am incredibly excited to experience my first Summer here.


When I first joined as a Youth Worker in March of 2026, summer holiday activity planning was in the pipeline, and one of my jobs was to come up with some activities we could put on for young people within our community. When thinking of things to do, I thought about days out I’d had as a young person many years ago that I’d enjoyed with family and friends, and from there our list of activities quickly came together. So far we’ve been to places like Chichester Aqua Park and Arundel Wetlands, we even got to go into one of the Strongrooms at the Records Office in Chichester, where we saw some amazing documents relating to the history of Lancing and Sompting.


We’ve got a real mix of activities going on this summer, and it’s a programme I’m really proud to be a part of. There really is something for everyone here at ESY. At the time of writing, we are half way through the summer holidays, and I look back on the last three weeks and think ‘wow, we’ve already done so much’ and yet we have more to come!


There are so many positive aspects to the work that we do, but one thing I’ve really enjoyed this summer so far is seeing new friendships formed, and young people interacting outside of their usual circles. In the last 30 days, we have put on 15 sessions and had a total of 106 attendances, that’s a huge number of young people we’ve supported since the end of the school term, and during the first three weeks of the summer holidays on some of our activities. Over the first three weeks of the summer holidays, we’ve seen a real mixture of new and familiar faces, and it’s been a pleasure getting to know new young people, and catching up with those we haven’t seen in a while. We had some new faces on our first Geocaching activity, and those young people have since come back and attended more activities which is fantastic to see. It’s always really positive seeing new faces, but seeing them return time and time again just goes to show the value in what we do, whether we’re putting on exciting free or low cost activities, or we are simply a trusted adult outside of the school or home environment.


Back in October 2025, I completed a two day ‘Introduction to Youth Work’ course, learning the basics of some of the theories and ideas behind youth work. It was at this time that I felt like I finally knew what I wanted my career to look like. I’d been volunteering with ESY for just over a year, and after this course I knew that youth work was where my heart was. Previous to ESY, I’d spent 8 years working with Sussex Police, and I thought I’d never leave until I got involved with Youth Work. There is such value in all that we do and I truly believe that shines through every member of the team. We all have such passion and drive for our work, and I’ve never felt more proud to be involved in something so amazing.


Looking forward, I have been lucky enough to be recruited onto a Degree Apprenticeship, meaning I will be completing my level 6 qualification over the next three years, beginning in October. I do hold a degree in Criminology, but going back to University (albeit online) as a ‘mature student’ does feel different. Whilst I am learning something new with ESY all the time, I am excited to learn about the theories behind what we put into practice every single day when we are working with young people. Getting to embark on another degree feels like a real investment from everyone here at ESY, and to say I am grateful for the opportunity would be an understatement. Investing in the team means investing in our young people, being able to offer them support, a listening ear, or just being a consistent presence.


We all know that there are vast differences in the world we as youth workers grew up in, to the world our young people are growing up in. There was no ChatGPT helping me with my homework, no TikTok or Instagram reels, just heading out after school with friends and enjoying the world through my eyes. We have to accept that technology is evolving every single day and whilst it does have its uses, we are more and more aware of the dangers of being online. Since the introduction of the social media ban in Australia, and the work the government is doing to introduce this into the UK, this has been a popular topic of discussion amongst our young people, and one we look forward to exploring more within the realms of our digital compass programme, coming in the future. The consultation from the government had over 116,000 responses, many of which are from young people, so it’s great to know their voices are being heard on such an important issue.


Come September, I will be reflecting on a summer of fun whilst preparing to get my head back into the books for the next three years. This time next year, I will have completed my first year back at University, so I’m looking forward to being able to write about my first full year at ESY, and completing my first year of my Youth Work degree. 

Choosing Your Charity of the Year? Think ESY.

By Ian Tout • August 25, 2026
As we move towards the latter part of the year, many businesses will start thinking about their Charity of the Year for 2027.

Youth Voice Feature - by Jack

August 25, 2026
Over the summer I have participated in quite a number of activities with Electric Storm Youth and I have enjoyed all of them alot. In these activities I have gained key social skills by talking to new people that I haven't spoken to or seen before, activities that electric storm host are important ways for me personally to see friends and try things out of my comfort zone or do things that I wouldn't normally do. Of the six activities I have done this summer, I have used three main skills: socialising, education and relaxation. In the activities I have socialised by meeting new people by talking and getting to know them better but I have also spoken to old friends that I have made through electric storm over the years. I have done this mainly on the beach, afternoon activities , geocaching and the bbq. I have also found a sense of education within the activities because I took part on the trip the trip to Chichester records office and the community garden both of which were very interesting and i learnt a lot about the natural world and the past in Sussex but also focusing on Lancing and what it was like during the war and pre WW2. I also found a sense of relaxation when I was around old friends that i don't necessarily see all the time and also when we visited the community garden in buckingham park when we went you were instantly transported into a different world where you could escape the madness of normal life because you couldn't hear any traffic of the busy road nearby. just calm and the sound of nature. What I enjoy about ESY is that everyone there is so kind and friendly whether that's other young people or the youth workers. Over all the activities I attend during term times and holidays I attend the weekly youth forums which is a place where young people can speak up about issues they face or the community face and then we make a plan of how to fix these issues and the right steps to achieve this. Electric Storm Youth have helped me a lot over the years through different struggles, giving me someone to talk to when I needed it and people that I can trust as well. The youth workers at electric storm are amazing people and care a lot about helping young people as a young person myself I have seen this first hand the care that each youth worker puts into the activities to make it fun and enjoyable for everyone involved. I would also like to thank them for all the hard work the charity does for young people and the different people and organisations they introduce us two to make the community better. Even though I've only been with them for 6 six years out of the 19 years Electric storm have existed I have seen the impact they have made on young people whether that activities or working with young carers they help and support any young person that needs help.

Partnerships That Make Things Happen

August 25, 2026
Partnerships come in many different forms and that's exactly how we like them. Over recent months, businesses and organisations have supported ESY with funding, food, expertise, opportunities and resources, each helping us respond to what young people and our communities need. Lancing & Sompting Co-op continues to provide regular food donations, helping us provide food and refreshments across our weekly youth services. Lancing Bowls Club chose ESY as its Charity of the Year, raising funds and awareness for our work and complimentary sessions for young people. Funding from Nepcote has enabled us to deliver 22 weeks of our Art sessions plus a subscription to Scrap Space in Shoreham which in turn has helped us improve our sustainability policy. Our annual Skate Jam welcomed 32 competitors and over 50 spectators this year, with John Dale a local pillar of the community and estate agent making a financial contribution towards the event. Adobe and o3e added something special too, creating bespoke skateboards which were awarded as prizes on the day. And our partnership with Southern Housing enables us to take youth work directly into one of its communities, with our team delivering weekly street-based youth engagement and building relationships with young people where they are. Davison CE High School for Girls is working with ESY to support young carers within its school community. By combining the school’s knowledge of its pupils with ESY’s experience of supporting young carers, we’re able to provide dedicated support, and opportunities for young people who may be balancing responsibilities at home alongside school and everyday life. Cala Homes, through its Community Development Fund, donated £1,500 to support ESY’s youth work, helping us continue to provide activities, opportunities and support for young people across our local community. Andy's Angels, Our partnership enables ESY to provide dedicated youth support at their monthly Grief Café, with our team leading the youth provision and creating a safe, supportive space for young people experiencing bereavement. It’s another example of organisations bringing their different expertise together to provide the right support for young people and families. Find out more here What matters to us is that partnership is two-way. It's not just about what an organisation can give ESY. We want to understand what matters to our partners too, whether that's engaging employees, sharing skills, supporting a particular community or demonstrating local social impact. A huge thank you to everyone who continues to support your work. And if you're reading this wondering what a partnership with ESY could look like for your organisation, we'd be very happy to start that conversation. Get in touch here

Celebrating 19 Years of Electric Storm Youth

August 25, 2026
19 Years of Safe Spaces, Wellbeing & Community

Navigating a Noisy World Through Art

July 31, 2026
Why creative spaces are essential for helping young people manage overwhelm, build connection, and just be themselves.

Coming Soon: The Lighthouse Room

June 3, 2026
At Electric Storm Youth, we are seeing increasing demand for mental health support from young people, families, schools, and referral partners, including the NHS. Our counselling service already provides vital support during term time, helping young people navigate anxiety, low self-esteem, family challenges, bereavement, and other issues affecting their wellbeing. However, mental health does not operate within school hours or term dates, and neither should the support available to young people. That is why we are developing an exciting new initiative: The Lighthouse Room. Named to reflect its purpose as a beacon of hope, guidance, and safety, The Lighthouse Room will provide a dedicated counselling and wellbeing space where young people can access support throughout the year. By combining professional counselling with the wider support available through our youth services, we aim to provide earlier intervention, reduce waiting times, and help young people receive support before challenges reach crisis point. We know that when young people receive the right support at the right time, outcomes improve not only for them, but for their families, schools, and communities too. This is an ambitious development and one we are incredibly passionate about bringing to life. If you would like to learn more, support the project, or explore how you or your organisation could get involved, we would love to hear from you. Email karen@electricstormyouth.co.uk

How Your Business Can Help Shape the Future

June 3, 2026
We understand the importance of investing in young people today to help create stronger communities and future leaders tomorrow. But this is not something charities can achieve alone. Businesses have an increasingly important role to play through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), social value commitments, employee engagement, and community partnerships. The good news is that support does not always have to mean writing a cheque. Many businesses choose to support Electric Storm Youth through fundraising, volunteering, sponsorship, skills sharing, mentoring, event support, prize donations, or simply helping us raise awareness of the work we do.  For organisations looking to strengthen their social value commitments, partnering with a local charity provides a tangible way to demonstrate impact within the communities where your employees, customers, and future workforce live. If you would like to learn how your organisation could make a difference, we would be delighted to meet with you or your team. Whether that's a short presentation, an informal conversation, or exploring partnership opportunities, we'd love to hear from you. To start the conversation, please contact our team

More Faces, Same Foundation - Growing to Meet the Need

May 8, 2026
An article by Emma Davis - Business Office Manager

Building a Brighter Future: Introducing Our New Patron Consortium

May 7, 2026
At Electric Storm Youth (ESY), we are dedicated to empowering young people across Lancing, Sompting and Adur. Today, we are thrilled to officially launch our new Patron Consortium, a key initiative designed to strengthen our advocacy and extend our reach within the community. Our goal is to create an influential network of high-profile champions for local youth, and we are incredibly proud to unveil the first two members of this consortium: Tom Rutland, Member of Parliament for East Worthing and Shoreham, and prominent business leader Simon Bland. Tom joins us with a deep personal commitment to social mobility and a mission to amplify the voices of the next generation. Having already met with our Youth Forum to discuss local democracy, Tom is eager to use his national and local platform to raise our profile. "Giving every young person the opportunity to achieve their potential regardless of their background is something everyone should support, and very important to me personally," says Tom. "I want to make sure that every young person in Adur has the confidence, skills, and support they need to thrive. I’ve been so impressed with Electric Storm Youth's work, and I'm delighted to be appointed as a patron to help them have the biggest possible impact." Simon brings extensive expertise in economic development and further education, alongside a long-standing commitment to supporting young people. With over 20 years’ experience in local government and various governor roles across Special Educational Needs settings and Pupil Referral Units, Simon offers us deep strategic insight and an influential professional network. “I believe that young people need support to help them achieve their full potential," Simon explains. "Currently, a lack of this support results in many young people being 'left behind.' I am looking forward to using my knowledge and experience to help ESY deliver their mission." So why a Consortium? The formation of this consortium marks a significant step in our growth. By bringing together leaders from politics, business, and education, we aim to bridge the gap between young people and the wider community. Our CEO, Karen Jefford, sums up our vision perfectly, “We’ve been very deliberate in creating a Patron consortium rather than appointing a single Patron. For us, this is about bringing together a diversity of skills, perspectives, lived experience, and professional networks that can actively support our ambition to grow and deepen our impact. Tom and Simon each bring distinct strengths that will help us support young people now while laying the foundations for the future.” The role of a Patron at ESY is about advocacy, influence, challenge, and mentorship. We are currently seeking two additional Patrons to complete our consortium. We are looking for individuals who share our passion for youth empowerment and social inclusion. If you or someone you know wants to help us strengthen the future for local young people, we would love to hear from you.

Do young people really have it easier than we did?

February 5, 2026
A blog from our CEO. Karen Jefford